Saturday, April 1, 2017

[Review] Deidra & Laney Rob a Train

Deidra & Laney Rob a Train is a spunky new comedy that you can catch right on Netflix. It comes as the second feature from Sydney Freeland, and while it could use some fine-tuning, it's something you probably won't regret watching.

Deidra (Ashleigh Murray) is a precocious high school valedictorian, tasked with taking care of her siblings by herself while her mother is in jail. Unable to afford college, let alone make make ends meet (even with her homework business), she devises a highly researched plan with her clumsy sister Laney (Rachel Crow) to yes, as the title suggests--rob a train. But it's not just one. It's many.

Murray and Crow's exuberant and feisty lead performances are definitely the brightest spot of the film. There's also plenty of indie movie-friendly music, a slight hint of Wes Anderson-like quirk (along with some really good framing), and just enough obstacles to keep things interesting. Unfortunately, though, too many Disney Channel-esque vibes sneak in, the humor often falls flat, and a few corny supporting characters threaten to derail the entire story, making it clear that this film is definitely at its best when it focuses on the dynamic between the two sisters.

But despite the rocky flaws, Deidra & Laney Rob a Train leads to a refreshingly optimistic destination that is totally worth embracing.